Ideas

Inspiration for a bridal photoshoot can come from anywhere. Don’t be confined to the tried-and-true styles used in the industry but look for a unique angle of your own. The best way to personalise your own photos is by incorporating your interests, hobbies or passions into it.

Many thanks to AndroidsinBoots for sharing this extraordinary set of photos with us!

Trade an aisle for a bridge to get onto a yacht and a yacht instead of a church, and you’ve got a unique venue for tying the knot! We love how this couple embraced the unconventional and held their ceremony on a yacht, before setting sail to have an onboard barbecue as their reception. Keeping things modern and their colour palette simple with shades of purple, they made sure everyone had a blast. Many thanks to Dennis Yap Photography* for capturing this wonderful set of photos.

Europe has no shortage of amazing nature backdrops: from the contrasting hues of the azure blue ocean to the light blue skies of Santorini, from the opulent royal gardens to the mountains of Salzburg. The whitewashed walls and quirky yet whimsical sights of Santorini exude a glamorous yet slightly bohemian feel, while the quaint townhouses of Salzburg set against the majestic mountains paint a picture perfect setting. Many thanks to Sunrise Greece for these beautiful shots of fashion blogger Camille Co, who is looking every bit the romantic princess bride in Greece and Austria.

Here’s a refreshing alternative to flowers: succulents! These low maintenance plants are sturdy and resilient when it comes to withstanding transportation and unpredictable weather, and they’re gorgeous and versatile too. Available in different hues of green, succulents are known for their dewy texture and intricate leaf patterns, which makes them easy to style – be it glamorous, rustic, vintage, classic or cosy.

Our thanks to Cindy Chang of Nupts & Such and Bryan Chew of Ohara Florist for this idea and decoration tip: using wine and martini glasses as dainty and aged mercury vases for the succulents.

You don’t really need to travel far for your bridal portraits; this styled shoot is a perfect example of how a great photographer makes a lot of difference, particularly if you’re shooting somewhere local.

The Silhouette Collection is an off-the-rack collection by The Bliss Chamber that is simple, timeless yet alluring. From dreamy lace overlays to elaborate ruffled designs, this collection caters to all styles and tastes.

As far as Australia’s major cities go, Perth in Western Australia might struggle to keep up with the likes of Sydney and Melbourne in terms of size, but we promise you, this quiet cousin has a distinct charm and unique disposition all its own. With expansive landscapes and breathtaking natural sights that are a photographer’s dream, it’s no wonder Perth takes its place comfortably among the most beautiful destinations that Australia has to offer. Still not convinced? Perhaps these 12 locations will do the job. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words…

“I’m a big fan of Perth. Having worked and lived outside of Boston for 8+ years, Perth reminds me a lot of my good times in the States. The views from its various beaches and natural parks are simply breathtaking, and you get blue skies most of the time.” Sih Han Lim Photography

#01 Cottesloe Beach

One of Perth’s most well known and best loved beaches, Cottesloe Beach can get pretty busy on warm days, but don’t let that deter you. The views and lighting are virtually second to none if you go in the late afternoon or just before sunset, although you might want to give this a miss if the weather gets too windy. Go in March, and you might even be there for Sculpture by the Sea, an amazing annual sculpture exhibition.

“I personally love spring time in Perth due to its great weather and blooming of the city’s natural attractions/parks.” Andy Phe Photography

#02 Lancelin

Looking for something a little different? About an hour’s drive from Perth is Lancelin, a town that’s as well known for its extensive sand dunes as it is for windsurfing and rock lobster fishing. The sand dunes here are the largest in the state – around 2km long, ideal for sand boarding, and wonderful for taking photos of course!

“Perth is a beautiful and relaxed city with many spectacular natural sights such as Lancelin, Pinnacles and Wave Rock. There are also magnificent beaches including Cottesloe Beach in Fremantle, or you could visit the breathtaking Swan Valley wineries and Margaret River. The best season to visit Perth is spring, when wild flowers are blooming everywhere and the daily temperature sits at around 20-25°C.” Sidlefaye Photography

#03 Rottnest Island

One of Perth’s most popular vacation spots, Rottnest Island is well known for its beautiful beaches, abundant Aussie wildlife, and the cute rock wallabies known as quokkas! If you’re an avid walker, the island has some first rate nature walks too. Catch a ferry to Rottnest Island: 25 minutes from Fremantle, 45 minutes from Hillarys Boat Harbour, or 90 minutes from Barrack Street Jetty.

#04 Lesmurdie Falls

Lesmurdie Falls in the Lesmurdie Falls National Park is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area. Situated in the Perth Hills, it’s certainly not for the fainthearted. There’s a walking trail that starts at the top of the falls with a short walk to the viewing platform, or you can follow the trail all the way to the base of the falls. This goes without saying, watch your step!

#05 Pinnacles Desert

It’s a little bit of a drive – about three hours from Perth – but you won’t regret visiting Nambung National Park, home to the famous Pinnacles Desert. Here, the golden sands, wind sculpted forms and cloudless blue skies give rise to stark, striking photographs not often seen. Or visit between August and October, when colourful wildflowers blanket the earth, and you’ll have a completely different experience altogether.

“Perth is a great place to visit as it offers some of the best beaches and landscapes I’ve ever seen. Perth boasts an amazing outdoors, so when you are here, you shouldn’t be shooting indoors, but explore our beautiful city instead! The best time to visit would be around spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May), and I always recommend that couples do their shoots in the late afternoon, as this is when they will get the most ideal ambient natural light.” Mustard Seed Photography

#06 Kent Street Weir Park

Part of the Canning River Regional Park, Kent Street Weir Park is very popular with locals, families and bridal couples. The river is a lovely spot, and for the young at heart, there’s also the Castledare Miniature Railway just nearby. Miniature train rides run only once a month, so be sure to check the schedule if you plan to hop on.

#07 Fremantle

Located 30 minutes from the CBD, Fremantle, or “Freo” as the locals call it, is Perth’s port city. As rich in history as it is in art and culture, visitors can take a guided tram tour of the city, or explore the old buildings and fine architecture on foot. The Fremantle Prison is the state’s only World Heritage listed building, with the Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle Markets and Western Australian Maritime Museum being other top attractions.

“There’s always something timeless in Perth, be it an old, cracking wall in the middle of the city, Freo’s graffiti or the architecture of the University of WA.” Harvard Wang

#08 Alverstoke Barn

The Alverstoke Barn in Brunswick is the go-to destination for barn and/or country themed photoshoots and weddings. Situated right in the heart of dairy country, about 1.5 hours from Perth, it’s surrounded by lush green hills, farmland and a picturesque town. The Heritage Function Centre has a barn and restaurant for wedding celebrations, while the heritage rose garden promises some very pretty photos.

#09 Matilda Bay Boat House

Another fantastic site for wedding photographs, the Matilda Bay Boat House enjoys quite the reputation, and has even become an icon of sorts for Perth. To make things even more interesting, the jetty that leads to the distinctive blue house has been known to flood over on occasion in recent years. Great for photos, not so good for wedding gowns.

#10 Caversham House, Swan Valley

One of the most beloved wedding and reception venues in the Swan Valley, Caversham House is well worth the drive (25 minutes) or ferry ride (cruise up the Swan River). Make sure you arrive hungry because the region boasts a wealth of fresh local produce and artisan foods, including fruits, nuts, honey, chocolate, cheese, wine and more. Enjoy the sights, and don’t forget to visit some of the art galleries and antique furniture stores in town.

“These are my fave places around Perth. It is really hard to pick, but my top three are Fremantle, Caversham and Laurelville, York.” Ben Yew Photography

#11 University of Western Australia (UWA)

Not surprisingly, UWA is one of the top choices when it comes to outdoor photoshoots and wedding photography in Perth. The European inspired architecture on campus makes for a magnificent backdrop, especially if you’re a fan of old buildings. Plus it’s only five minutes from the Perth CBD. Just remember that you will need to purchase a license to photograph here.

#12 Chittering

Less than an hour’s drive from Perth is Chittering, a rural town that’s definitely worth exploring as a photography destination. Chittering Valley is beautiful, especially when the wildflowers are in full bloom. Even better, you won’t have to worry about crowds.

Around the world in 3 years – this couple incorporated their love for travel with their love for each other through 50 cities in 10 different countries over 3 years. Making full use of nature, culture and their sense of adventure, this wonderful DIY set of photos encapsulates the excitement this couple shared (for 3 years!) before finally tying the knot.

Kenny: “Most of our photos were taken using a tripod and remote control, while some of it was shot by friends and family who travelled with us. It was quite challenging yet fun, and the process was indeed memorable.”

There’s no better light than sunlight – together with the soft colour palette of pastel pink and white, it gave this photoshoot an all over dreamy, rustic fairytale feel. Thanks to Multifolds for sending us this whimsical styled shoot. The wispy dresses and flower crowns were just what was needed to complete the look.

The Wedding Notebook continues to be a platform that celebrates couples who dare to be different and think out of the box. These couples are worth mentioning because they took risks and showed us what is possible. Each of them have parents and in laws to deal with; though some might have had limited resources, they chose to focus on their strengths and they were successful. We hope they too will inspire you to overlook your struggles and limitations. To these couples, we say thank you for setting a precedent that countless other bridal couples can emulate.

The bride wanted a modern oriental wedding that did not “shout” red. Carefully merging what is in trend now, like letterpress printing invitations and even Viking table arrangements, with an oriental theme, it all looked pretty awesome together. Why didn’t anyone think of this before?

First she tackled the great taboo and had all her bridesmaids wearing black. She claimed that everyone looks good in black and we all know she is right. Then she refused to give up on having an entire aisle filled with petals. Taking matters into her own hands, she sourced them from TaoBao and got a good deal. She didn’t compromise and had to sacrifice quite a bit of time, but it was worth it.

This duo, despite their carefully matched clothing, didn’t look cheesy at all. They are from the advertising industry, which explains their great eye for colour. Their boldness in going to an unknown location and allowing the photographer space for creativity is the key to this masterpiece.

This bride wanted an outdoor wedding but wasn’t willing to sweat it out, so she did the next best thing and brought the outdoors indoor. The place looked fabulous and, more importantly, her makeup stayed intact.

It is one thing to create a video and quite another to dress and style yourselves so you appear to be from another era. For starters you might not look good in it, and think of what people will say? Honestly though, this wouldn’t look anywhere near as good if this couple hadn’t taken the chance.

Most couples take a year to plan their wedding, a process that includes over-thinking and many sleepless nights. The advantage here is that the groom has an event company, so the bride happily entrusted everything to him. Their wedding was planned in three months and was nothing short of amazing.

Would you believe that this bride had no idea what her décor was going to be 1.5 months before her wedding? She also bought her dress online, not from a bridal store, and it’s one of our favourite dresses that we’ve seen this year. Everything looked gorgeous!

Since the couple had founded a laser cutting company with a few friends, their wedding seemed to be the right place to experiment and showcase what laser cutting could do. Theirs is where design and functionality meet; you should totally check this wedding out.

Everyone has their own talents. Baking was never our thing but this bride knew exactly what she was doing and made her own naked cake. She was even generous enough to share the recipe with our readers! Look it up.

They didn’t feel comfortable about posing in front of another photographer so they decided to do their photos themselves with a self-timer function. This bride actually contacted us a few months ago to say she is now offering wedding photography services too. This explains the skill shown in the composition of these photos.

We are quite smitten with this different take on destination bridal portraits in Paris, thanks to Le Secret d’Audrey. The indoor shoot looks divine, and we love how there’s so much character in that little black dress. There’s a real sense of adventure and elopement in that vintage car that’s got our hearts racing.

The Wedding Notebook recently invited some couples along with us to Langkawi to experience a destination wedding. Since we had just a small group of guests, we could afford to include some extra details.

#01 Arrival Cocktail Or Drink

Your guests deserve to be welcomed at the door. Get the hotel to customise something for you if possible, and remember that any welcome drinks are best served with a cold towel so that your guests can freshen up after their journey.

#02 Welcome Bag

Budget permitting, customise or personalise something and leave it in the hotel rooms for each of your guests. We decided to make something for each of the couples. The best thing about small weddings is that you can afford to make each of your guests feel special.

Caption: Welcome bags hand painted by Craft Kitchen

#03 Programme Booklet

Provide your guests with an overall itinerary so that they know when and where your ceremony and reception (plus any other special arrangements) will take place. Remember: don’t overwhelm them with activities, do include a contact person in case of emergency, and do provide a list of things that they can do during their stay.

Caption: Printed with Kraft Paper from an Epson home printer using Durabite Ink (waterproof ink)

#04 Mosquito/Insect Repellent

Being outdoors means mosquitoes or bugs, so do prepare some repellent for your guests, either as part of their welcome bags or make it available during your ceremony and reception.

#05 Night Cap

Surprise your guests by leaving chocolates or a midnight snack in their hotel rooms (the hotel might be able to assist you with this during their turn down service). A personalised note can be quite meaningful too.

Caption: Kraft Paper tray from Kaison

#06 Hangover Pack

If you plan on serving lots of alcohol at your wedding and/or reception, it might not be a bad idea to leave your guests a hangover pack as well.

Photo by Bloc Memoire Photography

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Books
Have some chick lit or good novels ready for your guests to enjoy while sunbathing on the beach.

Something For The Beach
Tanning lotion, sunscreen, fans, hats or even provide brush so they can remove sand from their feet!